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The Quartet of the United States, Russia, the European Union and United Nations has endorsed the latest efforts to revive peacemaking between Israel and the Palestinians, ahead of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s visit to Bahrain today.
Mr Blair’s duties have been defined by the Quartet as raising funds for the Palestinians, building their ruling institutions and promoting their economic development, although it is believed he is seeking more direct involvement in peacemaking.
Mr Blair, however, is keeping tight-lipped about his plans.
A British Embassy spokesman said: “I am sorry to say that Tony Blair will not be having any interviews throughout his trip to the region.”
The Quartet, however, welcomed his agreement to be its ‘representative’ and earlier this week discussed with him the urgent work that lies ahead. Noting the centrality of reform, economic development and institutional capacity-building to the establishment of a stable and prosperous Palestinian State in the West Bank and Gaza that will unite all Palestinians and live in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbours, the Quartet urged the parties and all states in the region to work closely with Mr Blair, and encouraged robust international support for his efforts, including the convening of an ad hoc liaison committee meeting in the autumn.
Recognising the continuing importance of the Arab Peace Initiative, the Quartet looked forward to the planned visit to Israel by representatives of the Arab League to discuss the initiative.
The Quartet expressed support for continued and expanded dialogue between Israel and the Arab States. It looked forward to an early meeting with the Arab States to follow up on their May meeting in Sharm el-Sheikh.
It also agreed to continue to consult regularly on developments, and to meet again in September to take stock of developments, hear from Mr Blair on his strategy for the economic and institutional agenda, and discuss the way ahead.
